We were really hoping these days were behind us, but as I type (and I need to make this quick as it's well after midnight) Seth is hooked up to 1/2 liter flow/minute of oxygen, a pulse oximeter/monitor, and of course his feeding tube. He is so uncomfortable, but he needs all of these tubes because he has a bad respiratory tract infection. It's just been a "cold" for the rest of us, but for the first time we are really seeing the effect of his compromised lungs on his health. He has been so healthy up until now, since he left the hospital, praise God! This is the first month any of our kids have needed antibiotics; in Seth's case broad-spectrum antibiotics. He also has an ear infection.
Please pray he can sleep despite the tubes (we really had to tape the cannula onto him well as he immediately went nearly crazy dislodging it!) and that the Lord will clear out his breathing passages. The inhalers aren't helping.
I keep thinking of the babies in the villages in Papua New Guinea who are hours from the closest clinic or aid post, and I thank God that we are here. My heart goes out to the suffering little tots and their concerned parents, both there and around the world, which reminds me to pray for them and also plead, "Come soon, Lord Jesus!" Only when He makes all things new in the New Heavens and on the New Earth will sickness and suffering and sorrow and exhaustion and frustration and discouragement (my current struggles) be done away with eternally. I repeatedly have to cling to His promise in 2 Peter 3 that His "slowness" in coming is because of His patience with us, desiring repentance rather than destruction and death.
Love and gratitude, especially that "this is NOT all there is!"
Carrie
Dear Lord, We are lifting little Seth up to You for healing and comfort; please quickly allow his lungs and eyes to respond to the medication and give him rest. And, please, bring rest and relief to Carrie as well. We cling to Your promises, Lord, and give You all praise and glory. Amen. NKL
ReplyDelete"Great grace is needed, but great grace is provided." CH Spurgeon
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs & PRAYERS from the Quintessential Grandma down the road.
I pray for Seth to be totally healed. I know what it is like having sick kids! I pray for peace,health, comfort and rest for Carrie & Gavin and all the children. Remember- This to shall pass! You will get thru this!
ReplyDeleteHeavenly Father, we place Seth in your arms and ask You for Your Peace and healing for him...so that the infection clears up soon, and his lungs are healed...please give him the rest he needs and for Mom and Dad too...Thank-you for your wisdom you have given the medical team.. And Please send Your hurting children all over the world, the medical care they need...and Bless the Parents of all the sick and hurting children.... Amen
ReplyDeletePrecious Seth, God bless you. Y'all are in our continued fervent prayers. This too shall pass, thank you Jesus.
ReplyDeleteCarrie,
ReplyDeletePraying for little Seth. I have raised 6 children through the help of the Lord, good Doctors and many long nights. All the medical devices and medications will work better if you can get Seth to relax.
Tips I have learned - back rubs, firm not gentle to relieve some muscle tightness and massage his little hands, start at heal of hand and work down through each finger.
My children came to expect the massage along with with nebulizer and looked forward to it. It gave me something to do at 2am when they always seemed to get worse.
Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately (or fortunately, I realize!), the treatments for opening up Seth's lungs aren't "working" because his lungs and air passages don't close up. He doesn't have reactive airway disease, he doesn't wheeze. (Thank God!) The pediatrician yesterday said no amount of those treatments are going to help in his case. He had good movement of air, as she put it, but the infection was responsible for the low saturations. I was glad to have an explanation for why the Xopenex hasn't helped his sats at all!
DeleteDear Heavenly Father, please touch little Seth from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet. Please give , comfort and rest in the midst of what is a very trying time for him and all his caregivers. Father, may we not be negligent in thanking you for how far you've brought all the babies since this time last year. May we continue to look to the same God of past grace for present and future grace. You change not and for this we come boldly asking for your help once again.
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